. >>> okay i know i am at risk of sounding like i'm part of that saturday night live skit that spoofed the speech. but the american presidency is weak, it makes the office look -- allows him with the consent of congress to appoint cabinet members and other executive officials. he can conduct foreign affairs, but even then, his appointments must be approved by the house of representatives. these roles are modest compared to other governments and compared to the extensive powers given to the branch of the u.s. government. but while the office is constitutionally weak, american presidents have often had enormous power. this comes through each of the offices of the individual presidents to persuade, to wield influence, and at times that power has seemed almost boundless. presidential scholar has more on the presidential strength, underlying our notion of what makes a good president. for many citizens, the president is the ideal of america, and many value strength above all else. which is why of course so many were agast about president obama's performance on wednesday night. they were left